We’ve all been there – sitting on a beach in a cover-up or a t-shirt so that no one could see what we look like in a bathing suit. But whoever though that a baggy t-shirt or beach towel made great attire for a photo on the beach? No matter what your shape or size, you CAN take great photos of yourself in a bathing suit. All it takes is a few subtle techniques to show of your best features.

1. Choose a Flattering Bathing Suit – This may seem like a no-brainer, but many women fall into the trap of picking bathing suits that aren’t right for their bodies. Just because you’re not wearing a bikini doesn’t mean that you don’t look sexy! One-piece and tankini suits in solid colors or subtle prints are much more flattering. Look for cute details that accent the features you like and cover up the ones you don’t. If you want to nip in your waist, look for a suit that has ruching around the middle. If you want to cover your thighs, you can get a cute retro-style suit with a low cut that hugs your hips.

2. 45 Degree Angle – This is an easy posing trick that will instantly make you look slimmer. Simply turn your body to a 45 degree angle while keeping your head forward. You might also try turning just your shoulders or your hips for a different look. This trick never fails!

3. Show Off Your Favorite Feature – If you want to get creative with posing, choose poses that shows off your favorite features. If you love your arms, you could put one or both on your hips or behind your head. If your legs are your favorite feature, you could extend them out in front of you and take a photo from the side. You can even play with your hair and let it blow in the beach breeze.

4. Act Natural – While posing can make a picture more fun and interesting, it can look a bit gimmicky if you do too much posing. Try to act natural and pose in ways that feel comfortable to you. Goofy or sensuous expressions can be great as well, as long as they go along with your personality. Don’t be afraid to have a friend or family member snap candid shots of you as well – as long as they have good intentions of making you look great. It’s likely that your beauty will shine through best when you’re being yourself.

5. Be Confident – This is by far the most important tip when it comes to taking great photos, no matter what you’re wearing. If you feel good about yourself and enjoy the moment, you’ll have great pictures. Remember, you don’t have to be a supermodel to look sexy. Even Marilyn Monroe had curves, so feel proud and show them off!

Here are a few handy tips to consider while purchasing your swimwear this year. I apologize for the sound, this is very low tech, and it was windy! I did add the approximate text below the video.

Thanks to JANE for suggesting I talk about this dilemma, and congratulations to her for winning my first $50 gift certificate giveaway from my jewelry website!!!

To be considered for a gift certificate, please leave ideas in the comments section of this blog, and subscribe to the blog where it says email subscription. (or email them at sueanneshirzay3@gmail.com) If I select the topic you are eligible to win a gift certificate. I will give out AT LEAST one per month. Good luck and happy shopping!!!

Here is the text, most of which is covered in the video:

Guess what, Girls? Spring break is almost here, and after that comes SUMMER. Time to do what strikes FEAR and TERROR into the hearts of women everywhere. That’s right….BUYING AND WEARING A BATHING SUIT.

Taming the Bathing Suit Beast. TOP Tips to consider while buying SWIMWEAR

Try to avoid ordering bathing suits from a catalog. They don’t even look good on the model, how are they going to look good on you? Go somewhere where someone will actually help you find the best fit, like an actual bathing suit store. Yes, at first the screaming and/or laughing in the fitting room next to you may be a little bit disconcerting, but you do really need to try on 10 suits sometime to get the best fit. And the salespeople are trained to help you.

If you must buy from a catalog buy at least 4 and send back the ones you don’t like. Remember bathing suit sizes generally run a size smaller than clothing so you have to buy one size up from your dress size. Don’t worry. There will be some you don’t like. You won’t keep them all.

Get one that won’t fall apart in the hottub, fall off while you are surfing, swimming or running, or ploomph up while you are trying to swim. I have some of those ploompy skirts. And…Is there anything more embarrassing that asking somebody to FIND and GIVE YOU your bathing suit bottom back. I DON’T THINK SO!!

Don’t wear a girdle bathing suit, they are for insecure people .

What ever fat you are trying to hide will just ploomph up at your neck or down to your thighs, so it’s just not a good idea. You won’t be able to breath. I like breathing. Breathing is FUN. “Just Breathe”

Dont think you need to look like a swimsuit model

You are not being PAID to look fantastic in a swimsuit, are you? They are. They have airbrushing and they are 20 years old. Get over it. you look fantastic just as you are.

DO buy one that actually covers the things that are supposed to be covered, unless the things that are supposed to be covered look really good, and then, who CARES? Show them!

BUT… You don’t want some kid on the beach pointing to your chest and screaming “Mommy! Mommy!” Support what needs supporting. If you have a short torso, this needs to be taken into consideration. Balance the top of the suit with the bottom of the suit. Make sure you look at the back in the mirror and make sure you are covering what needs to be covered.

Don’t buy an old lady bathing suit if you are not an old lady. It’s not 1928. the bathing suit is NOT supposed to go down to your knees. There is NO reason to cover all that up.

Don’t buy a one piece if you could be wearing a bikini.

Don’t buy one with lots of bells and whistles… gold or siver lame, leopard print, lots of jewels and stuff. it just isn’t good. If you see people LAUGHING AT YOU or they say NICE SUIT, alot…that’s how you know you went overboard.